The Sword and the Spirit Series by Avril Borthiry

An exciting new historical-romance series that follows the fates of three Templar knights after the countrywide arrest of their brethren that took place in France on Friday 13th October, 1307. Forewarned of the French king’s shocking edict, Ewan, Gabriel and Jacques, along with a young squire, escape to Scotland and specifically, Ewan’s ancestral home. A remote bastion, situated in the coastal Highlands, Castle Cathan is a place long affiliated with the Templars... moreAn exciting new historical-romance series that follows the fates of three Templar knights after the countrywide arrest of their brethren that took place in France on Friday 13th October, 1307. Forewarned of the French king’s shocking edict, Ewan, Gabriel and Jacques, along with a young squire, escape to Scotland and specifically, Ewan’s ancestral home. A remote bastion, situated in the coastal Highlands, Castle Cathan is a place long affiliated with the Templars. But it is a secular domain, not beholden to the strict rules that dictate a Templar’s life. Each knight, then, must struggle to maintain his disciplined lifestyle and keep his faith. Not easy, when the way ahead is uncertain and the mighty Templar order is on the brink of collapse. Book One. Ewan. It is not enough that Ewan MacKellar has been exiled and forced to flee to his family home. When tragedy strikes soon after his return, he is also forced to surrender his beloved white mantle, discard his holy vows, and assume another role. He now faces a conflict of loyalties, a battle he struggles to resolve as he finds himself falling in love. But misplaced greed forces a betrayal, one that all but breaks Ewan’s heart. Yet, from the guilt of that betrayal comes a remarkable act of courage and an astonishing turn of events that can only be described as miraculous. Will Ewan at last find his destiny? And what of Gabriel and Jacques, his Templar brothers-in-arms? As Ewan’s story winds to a close, it becomes clear that theirs is only just beginning. less

An exciting historical romance series that follows the fates of three Templar knights exiled to Scotland after the nationwide arrest of their brethren that took place in France on Friday 13th October, 1307. Six months have passed since Gabriel escaped the persecution in France and fled, with two of his brothers-in-arms, to Scotland. The upheaval has not been easy for him. A pious and disciplined man, Gabriel now finds himself facing a chaotic and uncertain future... moreAn exciting historical romance series that follows the fates of three Templar knights exiled to Scotland after the nationwide arrest of their brethren that took place in France on Friday 13th October, 1307. Six months have passed since Gabriel escaped the persecution in France and fled, with two of his brothers-in-arms, to Scotland. The upheaval has not been easy for him. A pious and disciplined man, Gabriel now finds himself facing a chaotic and uncertain future. Unable to reconcile all that has happened, he decides to return to his native England, lay down his sword, and take holy vows at Furness Abbey. But returning to the land of his birth is not without risks. His destination lies within the border region of Scotland and England, an area long cursed with conflict. Not only that, the Templars in England are now also facing persecution.  Then, of course, there's Breanna, the young woman he discovers in the forest along with her rather unusual companion. For the first time in many years, Gabriel finds himself seriously tempted by the allure of a female. Throw in an unsolved mystery from the past along with its astounding resolution, and Gabriel's life becomes even more complicated! Will he adhere to his original plan? Or will temptation and conflict undermine his objective and steer him onto a different path? less

1308 AD. The persecution of the Templars continues in France.Jacques Aznar, a Basque Templar Knight exiled to the wilds of Scotland, can only observe the events from afar. He is a man conflicted, not quite able to reconcile heart and conscience. His heart has been irrevocably stolen by Morag MacKellar, a brave Scottish lass with a spirit to match his own. Jacques’ conscience, however, tells him to uphold his Templar vows, that his obligation to the military order is not quite over... more1308 AD. The persecution of the Templars continues in France.Jacques Aznar, a Basque Templar Knight exiled to the wilds of Scotland, can only observe the events from afar. He is a man conflicted, not quite able to reconcile heart and conscience. His heart has been irrevocably stolen by Morag MacKellar, a brave Scottish lass with a spirit to match his own. Jacques’ conscience, however, tells him to uphold his Templar vows, that his obligation to the military order is not quite over.That obligation is tested when a letter arrives unexpectedly from France. Written by Pierre Sabatier, a Templar Chaplain, the missive seems to be nothing more than an innocent enquiry about Jacques’ wellbeing. But Jacques knows better. The letter is a summons. A quiet cry for help. One he cannot ignore.This, he realizes, is what his conscience demands. His last quest as a Templar. A final call to arms that must be answered, despite the danger.With Morag’s blessing and a special token of her love, Jacques returns to France. What he finds there is more than he expected. A mercenary priest. A woman from his past. And the terrible realization that the Templars will never be as they once were. But all is not lost. Lives can still be saved. And, if he’s successful, he can return to Morag and freely pursue the demands of his heart.It never occurs to him that news of a tragedy might be awaiting him in Scotland. That, upon his return, he must face the daunting task of trying to save another life. A life more precious to him than his own. less